Five stories to watch in 2012: Is USC's Matt Barkley a lock for the Heisman?

12:21 p.m. EST, June 20, 2012|By Matt Murschel, Orlando Sentinel

It’s already been a busy offseason but that doesn’t mean there won’t be plenty to talk about when the season starts in less than three months. Here are five stories to keep an eye on when the season officially kicks off on August 31.

Buzz: What is it with Pac-12 quarterbacks and the Heisman Trophy? Last season, Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck started the season surrounded by plenty of Heisman Trophy buzz. Many believed he was a lock to win college football’s coveted award but as in death and taxes, nothing is certain in this world and Luck finished second in the voting behind Baylor’s Robert Griffin III. Once again, a Pac-12 quarterback appears to be the early favorite with USC’s Matt Barkley taking the place of Andrew Luck. Barkley’s decision to return to school for his senior season made him an instant choice as the preseason favorite for player of the year. In 2011, Barkley threw for 3,528 yards and 39 touchdowns to lead the Trojans to a 10-2 record. His presence along with that of fellow teammates Robert Woods and Marquise Lee have made Southern California a preseason favorite by some to contend for the national championship. Tack on the fact that a quarterback has won the Heisman Trophy eight of the last nine years and you have a winning recipe for Barkley’s name being called out in New York City in January. Much like with Luck in 2011, Barkley will have some formidable challengers including Wisconsin running back Montee Ball and Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson.